Prosthetic Solutions

Choosing the right prosthetic leg just got easier

For years Össur has been helping people to improve their mobility, to help those with limb loss to feel safe and confident again and to help people focus on new goals, rather than limitations. And throughout those decades of technological advances and innovation, user needs and aspirations have remained at the top of our agenda. The level of accessible information and dialogue amongst people and families of those with limb loss has never been higher. Many are no longer willing to be passive participants in care plans and, even in the prevailing climate of health budget constraints, the search for better solutions is gaining pace.

Taking the mystery out of product selection

A key issue for many users is understanding the different elements of a prosthesis and how they work together – “I like that foot and I want to try vacuum suspension, so what liner do I need and will it work with my socket… what about my knee, which foot works best if I want to play sport?” Many people find that there are more questions than there are straightforward answers, especially when it comes to getting maximum potential out of high-tech devices. It is typically the case that better-informed patients get access to better care, and we want to equip users with the knowledge and understanding of what could be the best option for them.

Instead of trying to scrutinise numerous products and their distinct advantages – only to discover later that one may not be suitable for certain activities and another might not be as effective when used in conjunction with the first – you can now take an easier route. That is why Össur has developed a new solutions-based approach, helping to take the mystery out of product selection and compatibility. Clearly, the prosthetist is best positioned to make product recommendations, but we hope that in streamlining our solutions we can support and stimulate the dialogue to good effect.

Offering different solutions for different needs

Össur has drawn up typical profiles to help match products both with user needs and other prosthetic components. Products appropriate to people’s needs and aspirations are grouped together, adding immediate clarity for optimum product combinations. This kind of confidence comes from knowing certain devices are designed and tested to suit specific needs and will work in harmony to support the best possible solution. These product combinations – Balance Solutions, Dynamic Solutions and Impact Solutions – offers solutions for all activity levels, from the less active right through to high active and high impact. Medical insurance companies in the USA have developed a classification system called “K-Levels” to help describe the prosthetic user’s potential for mobility. This “K-level” classification system is the most commonly used standard worldwide and below is a table that illustrates where our solutions apply with reference to the “K-Level” system, followed by a short description of each category.

K-Level 0

Ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance. Prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility.

K-Level 1

Ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. Limited or unlimited household ambulator.

K-Level 2

Ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Community ambulator.

K-Level 3

Ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Community ambulator who can traverse most environmental barriers and may have lifestyle that demands prosthetic use beyond simple locomotion.

K-Level 4

Ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels - typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.